Fourteen people died when a scenic viewing platform over a 40-metre chasm collapsed at Cave Creek in Paparoa National Park on the West Coast. A group of students from Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth, along with a Department of Conservation officer, were on the platform when it collapsed.
Four students survived the collapse, although with serious injuries. The tragedy resulted in New Zealand's Minister of Conservation, Denis Marshall, resigning over claims of negligence after it was revealed that serious systemic failures and underfunding had led to the building of the unstable platform. It also led to a change in New Zealand Law, allowing for government departments to be held liable for inadequate building practices.
Those who died; Alison Blackman - Paul Chisholm - Anne-Marie Cook - Jody Davis - Barry Hobson - Abram Larmour - Catherine McCarthy - Scott Murray - Stephen O'Dea - Kit Pawsey - Matthew Reed - De Anne Reid - Peter Shaw - Evan Stuart.

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Messages

to those beautiful people who left their physical life on 28th of April 1995 I honour your lives.
I live a spiritual life and receive messages from the after life. Last night I received a dream which I can't understand except that I had to recite it on this page .
the name given to me is macey and that there is anniversary connected to the passing of one of the victims. I also got "riverside drive or just river side. If there is a gathering and macey is there please receive this message sent with love by a loved one. I give to you from my heart to your heart. I understand what it is like to lose someone I live My name is Sandy Harte and Im from Whakatane

sandy harte. whakatane, New Zealand. Saturday, August 23, 2014

what a tagerdy

this is a sad day

jacinta williamson. palmerstn, New Zealand. Tuesday, March 11, 2014

my poem

Why does god take innocent lives
Why is so little spared
When they are gone we finally realise how much they meant to us
How much they infuenced our lives
Why does death join us as one
Hate is put aside
We remember the good times we shared not the bad
For the 14 victims that died at Cave Creek
Let the lives who knew them not to be torn apart
But to be stronger and not let hate get in our way for the love of those who died

Anonymous. christchurch, New Zealand. Sunday, September 22, 2013

18 years on

Most of us were only 18.
Where did the time go? Today is exactly 18 years on and I find myself at 36 entering middle age with a family, car, career, house, and hobbies (probably exactly like one of those people we swore we'd never turn into).
Life has gone on, since that lifetime ago. My heart aches that you guys didn't get to experience these years with us; but know that you've taught us to relish life's triumphs and trials, and to not get hung up on the little stuff... :) For that I thank you.
You are not forgotten.

Anonymous. Southland, New Zealand. Sunday, April 28, 2013

always in our hearts

To all the families concerned you can all be proud of the legacy your children fohave brought happiness into the lives of all those left behind them. the courage and bravery of those uninjured goes to show the special nature of all kiwis . i never fforget that dreadful day and think of my friend jody both on his birthday and this day with sadness laughter and joy. he , like all your children will be remembered . Mr macs with you now jody so go catch up. deepest sympathies to all and may we always cherish the memories our beautiful children give us.

carol dobson. porirua, New Zealand. Thursday, September 27, 2012

always in our hearts

To all the families concerned you can all be proud of the legacy your children fohave brought happiness into the lives of all those left behind them. the courage and bravery of those uninjured goes to show the special nature of all kiwis . i never fforget that dreadful day and think of my friend jody both on his birthday and this day with sadness laughter and joy. he , like all your children will be remembered . Mr macs with you now jody so go catch up. deepest sympathies to all and may we always cherish the memories our beautiful children give us.

carol dobson. porirua, New Zealand. Thursday, September 27, 2012

never forgotten

memories never fade .

Anonymous. kumara, New Zealand. Monday, September 19, 2011

never forgotten

as each year comes around this tragic day still remains in my memory always thinking of this so clearly.
my thoughts are always with the families that have lost dear ones but also think of the surviors wondering how they are doing these days and wish them well.
so for when this time comes around hold your head up high think of all your great memories and laughs.
wayne carey( ex buller rite) now living in blenheim

wayne carey. blenheim, New Zealand. Tuesday, July 28, 2009

14 LIVES LOST - MANY MORE AFFECTED

It seems so cruel to lose one so dear. Time may dull the pain, but we will never forget. Please accept my condolences.

Isobella Merrick. New Zealand. Monday, April 27, 2009

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear. - Unknown